Question: Bloodworms exiting axolotl gills?

[mortytheaxolotl]

Hi, I'm new to axolotls. I've got a young axolotl who is eating bloodworms right now and he took a very large bite, much more then he could swallow. Half of it got thrown around while he tried to swallow, and a few worms pushed their way out of his gills somehow?? I watched a few push out on both sides and one worm stayed stuck but has shaken free now. Is this even possible, and should I be concerned? He seems very active and happy despite having worms exiting his gills, and is continuing to eat. Any thoughts?

 

[Hoagii]

They have a gill slit behind their external gills. Water (and worms) can easily get pushed out the slit. My axolotl has shot worms out his gill slits many times. Nothing to worry about.

 

[mortytheaxolotl]

Thanks so much I've only had him for a week so I had no idea!